­The Car Engine

So what exactly does a car engine do? A car engine is there, so that it may convert gasoline into motion, thus making a car move. Obviously, the car engine is the most efficient process of doing this conversion. All car engines operate internally. An internal engine is called an internal combustion engine.

• There isn’t just one kind of combustion engine; there are a few. Some examples of different types of internal combustion engines are: diesel engines, gas turbine engines, HEMI engines, rotary engines and two-stroke engines.

Given the fact that there is such a thing as an internal combustion engine, there also is an external combustion engine. I’d say the best example I can give you of an external combustion engine, is the engine of a train. The fuel (wood, coal, etc) in a steam engine (which is what a train uses) burns outside to make steam, and the steam creates a certain amount of motion in the engine.

Internal combustion engines are a lot more efficient and money-conservative. This is why cars don’t run on external combustion engines.

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Vald.com Progress

The first week of Vald.com has proven to be a successful one. We have kept our promise of writing articles daily for you all. We will continue to do so. So far we’ve written about numerous items. I believe one of the most interesting ones was Why Gas Prices are so High! In this article, Matt describes just why he thinks gas prices are indeed so high these days.

I hope you enjoy reading our articles, and will continue to do so.

- #21 and Matt

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Diesel Fuel

Diesel fuel has been very popular amongst people ever since it was first introduced. Diesel fuel was first “created” in the 1930’s by Mercedes. The people who discovered this new type of fuel, were attempting to make a more efficient fuel for cars to burn. Obviously, they succeeded. The diesel fuel is 23% more efficient than the normal gasoline.

So diesel fuel is 23% more efficient in terms of the amount of fuel you burn. This, however, is not so great to the air of this world. Diesel fuel releases amounts of waste, and other bad things into the air. Although diesel fuel does not release much of the “stuff’ that causes global warming, it does release enormous amounts of pollution.

Although diesel fuel is quite a bit more expensive, most diesel powered cars will run with no modifications at all!

In summary, these auto mobiles have many ups and downs to them. It’s up to you to decide which path has worse or better features.

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Oil Refining

In this article, I will be discussing the process of refining crude oil.  Oil can be used to make gasoline (which is the biggie), crayons, plastics, jet fuel, and other things.  However, there is a big difference between a thick, black, and dirty crude oil and clear, clean gasoline.

Crude oil is the catch all term for unrefined oil (straight from the ground).  Another word to describe basically the same thing is petroleum.  At risk of repeating things that 21 said in an earlier article, The Composition of Petroleum, I will not go into the details of the crude oil itself, simply the refining therein.

Because of the vast amounts of hydrocarbons in petroleum, it is a great energy source.  This is why it is the main ingredient in gas, kerosene, jet fuel, and other fuels.  The goal of the refining process is basically to separate all the different types of hydrocarbons in the crude oil (Paraffins, Aromatics, Napthenes, Alkenes, etc.) so that it can be useful.

The refining process starts with something called a “fractional distillation column”.  Basically different parts of the crude oil boil at different temperatures.  This machine raises the temperature gradually and extracts the vapors that are released at certain temperatures.  These vapors are then condensed.  These individual products (fractions) are much more workable and useful than crude oil.

Once they have the fractions, they must be treated in order to remove impurities.  This is done by treating the fractions with sulfuric acid (to remove unsaturated hydrocarbons, oxygen compounds, and other solids), then with a drying agent to remove moisture and finally with sulfur and hydrogen-sulfide to remove sulfur compounds.

Now that the crude oil is broken down, the yield for gasoline out of crude oil is about 40%.  Since gasoline is one of the major products to come out of petroleum, many companies use a process called “chemical processing” to use the leftover 60% and turn some of it into gasoline as well.  How this works is basically that bigger (longer) hydrocarbons are broken (cracked) into smaller segments (this “cracking” is generally done via the application of heat and/or a catalyst) and then these smaller segments are  combined to make longer chains (unified) and then these longer chains are chemically altered/rearranged to make the hydrocarbons.

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The Basic Summary of the Parts of a Car

Air cleaner/filter: The air cleaner allows air to be drawn through it. This is a very useful part of the car, because it prevents dirt and other gravel from entering the car.

Alternator: The alternator is a nifty little object. It is the power that runs the car, when the engine is running. In addition to this, it recharges the battery and supplies all odds and ends with electricity.

Battery: This is a pretty simple, but necessary tool. The battery of the car is the initiator of power, when a car is started.

Coolant tank: The coolant tank receives hot (antifreeze) that overflows from the radiator. It also sends back into the radiator, when necessary.

Distributor: This name is suited very nicely. This distributes, individually, electricity to plugs.

Exhaust manifold: These are the pipes that direct car exhaust away.

Fuel injection system: This does just like the name: it sprays certain amounts of fuel right into either the intake manifold or the combustion chambers. As a result, it has a better air to fuel ratio, this quite a bit better for “Saving the World”.

Muffler: Without this, everyone would go deaf within the day. This muffler decreases the sound of exhaust being released.

Suspension system: This is what keeps the car from hitting the ground! It consists of all sorts of spindles, axles, etc.

Power steering reservoir: The steering wheel is powered by liquids that are kept in reservoirs. These fluids adjust according to the steering wheel movements.

Brake fluid reservoir: These are the fluids that control the brakes. It can be seen by the firewall on the driver’s side.

Disc brakes: This is a disk that the brakes are thrown against, in order to help the car to stop.

Oil Dip stick: This is a stick that processes the level of the motor petroleum, and displays it.

Rear Axle: This is a stick that connects the transmission to the wheels.

Radiator: This is the mechanism that helps remove heat from the coolant that the coolant tank sends.

Timing Belt: As I have observed, timing belts are generally found in Japanese developed cars. In essence, a timing belt is a rubber track that operates the engine’s internal components. The down side of a timing belt is that if it for some reason breaks….a lot of internal damage could occur.

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History of Car Styles

The styles of cars have changed immensely in the last few decades. At the beginning, they were all white and black. They were all the same. At the beginning, there was no style. It was like looking at the same thing pass by, time after time. Soon after that, colored cars finally started appearing. Followed by color, different shapes of cars came out. Soon there were all sorts of cars. Shapes, colors, styles, features, and so much more!

As I stated before, starting at the very beginning, there was no style. However, after color and shape materialized, there became…styles of the decade.

When cars first came around, in the 1800’s, there were the square, flat-looking cars. The motor would be fully visible, and you could literally see huge gobs of waste released into the air. Back then, it was considered extremely fast if you were driving 40 miles per hour. It was also considered “cool” if you had a car with a top on it. Most cars back then were topless, and no cap.

After this fad passed, buggies became the “in thing” to do. It was at this time, that the “slug bug” joke arose. The slug bug game is when you see a buggie, you punch your friend next to you. I know, strange right?

Time passes, and soon there is nothing but Japanese products out there. Japan is now the number one producer of cars. With it came, Honda, Toyota, and many others.

But what’s today’s fashion of cars……? Find out more, in the next Car Styles Article.

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Ford Flex

The Flex is a crossover SUV built by Ford.  Selling of the Flex began Summer 2008 (the 2009 model being sold).  The model is essentially meant to replace the Freestar.  This is a “crossover” model because it is marketed as an alternative to minivans and traditional SUVs.

Features:

• The Flex sits 7 passengers.  The second and third row seats fold into the floor of the vehicle.
• Optional mini-fridge
• Optional “Ford Sync”
• Optional “Mood lighting”
• Optional multi-panel Vista roof
• Very sleek and sexy exterior
• Comes in many colors
• Optional all wheel drive

Powertrain:

• 3.5 Liter V6 Engine
• 262 Horsepower
• 248 lb x ft Torque
• 6-Speed automatic transmission

Safety:

• Optional back-up camera that allows the driver to see behind them on a screen
• Ford’s AdvanceTrac traction control system

The bottom line (price range): $28,295 - $36,555

All around, this is a fairly hot and sturdy vehicle.  It has numerous applications (A van for hauling the kids around, an SUV for fans of the outdoors, etc) and has loads of optional upgrades (some of which are hard to resist!).  The price on this bad boy isn’t too bad considering the quality and style of this vehicle.  A major downside is obviously gas mileage/efficiency as is with any SUV, especially with the powerful V6 engine that the Flex has.

My rating for the Ford Flex: 4.3/5

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Why Are Gas Prices So High?

So why are gasoline prices so high?  This (high gas prices) is something that many people have to deal with, but many people do not know why.  Unfortunately there is no “simple” answer to this question.  There are many factors that contribute to high gas prices.

The cost of crude oil (a major part of what gasoline is made of) is by far the biggest contributor to the high price of gas.  Up to 73% of the cost of gas comes from the cost of crude oil.  Crude oil costs as much as it does because of several factors such as political events in oil producing countries (such as wars, elections, etc) and the great demand for crude oil all over the world.  The usage rate of gas and other petroleum products is at a record high and therefore the demand for things such as crude oil is extremely high.  More information on petroleum is here.

Another factor that is especially relevant this time of year in the US is the Spring/Summer increase in price for gasoline.  The cost of gas increases in the Spring/Summer due to an increase in demand (there is more traveling and such) and the higher quality of gas that is required to meet air quality standards.

Taxes also play a role in the price of gasoline.  They can contribute to 20% of the gas price.  This is much more constant than the cost of crude oil obviously, but it is definitely worth mentioning.

The last point that I would like to touch on regarding gas prices is marketing and competition between companies.  Gas companies obviously exist to make money, plain and simple.  Distribution and the gas companies’ cut accounts for approximately 10% of the gasoline cost.

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The Past, Present, and Future of Cars

Two hundred years ago there were wagons…powered by a horse, maybe two. One hundred fifty years later, the dawn of cars started. Ford Industries came out, and was an instant success. At first, only the really wealthy people would own cars. Once they became more common, it would cost five cents to fill up a tank of gasoline. Little buggies driving down the street, pumping waste into the air. When motorcycles first came out, there was a law that stated: “If you are riding a motorcycle and you see someone who is riding a wagon with horses, then you must get off your motorcycle and disassemble your vehicle.” This was because the government didn’t want to scare the horses….Cars were the hit of the century. However, like all things, the car’s time of being the star, had to end.

Now, it is the beginning of July, 2008. Cars and other vehicles pile the street with immense numbers. Traffic jams are extremely common, and car accidents occur daily. In certain countries such as China, people should expect no less from a drive of 10 miles to take an hour. Gasoline prices are getting ridiculously high. In Europe, people are paying an equivalent of ten US dollars per gallon. In the USA it has reached as high as five dollars per gallon. Similar actions are taking place around the world. Why are these prices rising so quickly and to such height? Petroleum, oil; commonly known today as gasoline. These precious items are running out. Although we have not yet reached peak oil…time is running short. At this rate, the world will be out of energy to power cars within twenty five years. I must say, however, that I am surprised at certain events that continue to happen. Aware of the fact that we are running out, car racing companies and events are still taking place. A complete waste of the Earth’s resources, car racing is simply making select few individuals feel good by competing. In the long run, where is this bringing us? When you drive your daughter to soccer practice; when you drive around just to look at Christmas lights; when you go out to dinner everyday; when you buy a hot car for your girlfriend; think about what you are doing.

In a short time from now, we will not be able to use cars. Without the oil and petroleum, there is nothing to make our vehicles run. This world will being to back-track. Everything is going to be more contained. It will go back to thirty five years ago, when people did everything within the vicinity of their town. Please keep in mind, that cars are not the only things that we will not have anymore. Planes, trains, motorcycles, and motor-boats will all be out of business. This means there will be no more visiting your relative, and no more “seeing the world”.

Now I’m really not attempting to kill your hopes, make you miserable, or anything of that sort. This is just one of the looks into the future of this world. This is not guaranteed to happen, nor am I even predicting this. I am simply pointing out one of the paths this earth may be forced to take.

Please leave comments, questions, or remarks about this interesting subject.

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Buying a car can often be a huge decision. Whether you want a conservative car or a hot sporty car, there are things that you, the buyer, should always look out for. Whatever it is, it could impact your life. This list should help potential car buyers to shop smartly.

1. Check for a warranty. This goes for new and used cars. Warranties are invaluable! If you buy a car with a very short warranty or no warranty at all, you could have to end up paying for a lot of repairs.
2. Get something you like. You need to make sure you get a vehicle that you like and will be happy with for a long time. For most people, you cannot simply turn around three months later if you don’t like the car you are getting. Remember to put a lot of thought into your choice.
3. Pick a good color. This is kind of common sense, but get a color that you like. I’d recommend to stay away from red cars, because almost all insurance companies charge extra for having a red car and speeding tickets are much more common in red cars (not that people that drive red cars speed more, just that they get noticed more.
4. Gas economy/efficiency. What more needs to be said? Gas prices are getting higher and higher which means your MPG (miles per gallon) is becoming more and more important. Maybe pick a sporty sedan instead of a gas guzzling SUV.
5. Consider what you will be using it for. If you are a working mother of three, you might want to get a minivan so that you can drive the kids around. If you are a single 25 year old guy buying his first new car, you might want to get a hot convertible. Functionality of the car you are picking is paramount. Get what you will use, nothing more and nothing less.
6. Shop around. Far too many people see a car that they like at the first dealer they stop at and impulse buy. DO NOT do this. You may be wasting your money. Even if you are very sure you found the car you wanted, continue shopping. Make note of all the cars that you like and then sit down and make a “pros and cons” list of all of them (basically what’s good and what’s bad about each of them).
7. Don’t be afraid to go used. Sometimes you can find a used car comparable to the new one that you wanted for a significantly lower price. It is not uncommon to find a used car in great condition with low mileage and a good warranty.
8. Keep price in mind. Do not buy something that will strain your budget. I recommend sitting down BEFORE you ever go out to buy a car and make a list of your net income and your net expenses. Figure out how much money you can spend on a monthly basis and still have a reasonable amount of fluid or “spending” money. Buy based on this budget.
9. Get a cosigner and make a down payment. You can get a better interest rate if you have someone cosign your loan. Make sure this is someone you trust, and someone that has good credit. Also if you make a sizable down payment you can have lower monthly payments which are always nice.
10. Ask relentless questions and take a friend with you. Ask about anything and everything dealing with the car you are interested in buying. Ask about things like the safety rating, gas mileage/efficiency, bundled features, etc. Also if you take a friend car shopping with you, they can help ask questions that you may not think to ask, plus it will make it less boring.

I hope these tips help you when you go to buy a new car. Vehicles and transportation are an important part of our daily lives and picking a good car for yourself is a very important decision. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.

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